Are hyaluronidase or saline injections worth a try for Radiesse/Sculptra overfill?

Question

I understand these are not traditional methods for breaking up these products as they are non HA fillers. Yet I have been told by some Dr's that SOMETIMES/rarely they can help break up the scar tissue that may have formed at the site of filler placement. The Dr's said it is worth a try as there won't be any side effects, only slight swelling that will go away after a week. Has any other Dr had any luck with this? I'd rather not be a guinea pig and see somebody with some experience in this field.

Sheila Barbarino, MD, FACS · Answer

I have broken up some previous placed Radiesse using both steroid injection (specifically Kenalog 10) and/or 5-FU (Fluorouracil).  It actually works quite well when you need it. I do believe this method works better to have them injected sooner rather than later after your filler has been placed. Next time if you are not 100% sure if you are going to like the placement of your filler you might want to think about using a hyaluronic acid based filler which is easily dissolvable. Good luck!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Radiesse is a stimulatory filler that is an excellent option for patients who desire a longer-lasting filler alternative to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. In our office, we use Radiesse to complement structural areas of the face and contour bony prominences. Our office also is a center of excellence for filler complication treatments and we see patients who have been treated by other doctors and have undesirable results from Radiesse or other long-lasting fillers. We have treatment options available for Radiesse filler nodules, granulomas, and soft tissue thickening. The first step would be to diagnose the nodularity and determine whether there is an option for surgical vs. non-surgical removal. Surgical excision is a possibility in some patients; whereas others with more diffuse fillers may benefit from intralesional therapy using scar modulators and enzymes and kenalog. Radiesse complications may be long-lasting and prompt action is key. Patients who have no access to an expert in the field should begin gentle massage of the areas of nodularity with Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily. RF and invasive lasers can actually do more damage by stimulating further collagen growth. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, Hyalulronidase won't dissolve Radiesse/Sculptra. If you're unhappy with your final results, venus legacy and 5/FU steroids can help reverse both Radiesse and Sculptra. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CitySphinx,I'm not sure that hyaluronidase will have any effect. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme which dissolves the hyaluronic acid but don't have the same effect on other fillers such as Radiesse and Sculptra. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Neither hyaluronidase nor saline will have any effect on these products. Sometimes injection of cortisone into the areas will improve the sites. see a board certified dermatologist

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Are hyaluronidase or saline injections worth a try for Radiesse/Sculptra overfill?

Answers (7)

Answer: Radiesse and Sculptra overfill

Answer: Radiesse and Sculptra overfill

Answer: Radiesse/ Scultra overcorrection

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